Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Translated by XephiZ

Edited by Aelryinth

“My…my throat hurts,” Mo Fan pointed at his throat indicating he was having trouble talking.

Zu Huanyao rolled his eyes at Mo Fan and said, “You think I don’t know you are close with Su Lu’s faction? Su Lu is an impressive person, yet there’s something strange about his character. Even we from the older generation don’t really understand him, but there’s one thing we know for sure, and that is that he won’t hesitate to fall out with anyone who opposes him! I don’t care who you are hanging out with, but you should be careful with everything you do. Do you understand?”

“Mm, mm,” Mo Fan nodded.

Zu Huanyao’s eyes suddenly had a strange look. He began to observe Mo Fan closely.

The Dark Vein in Mo Fan’s body became restless. It was alerting Mo Fan about some kind of danger.

Did the Old Fox notice something?

Mo Fan’s heart skipped a beat. Zu Huanyao was the pillar of the Zu Clan, and had the nickname of the Old Fox. He was a capable man. Even though Mo Fan was smart enough to pretend he had a cold and a sore throat, Zu Huanyao still noticed something was not right.

What went wrong? Could it be that Zu Xiangtian was never so obedient in front of Zu Huanyao?

“You have to scold me no matter where I go. I’m already getting tired of it. Can’t you keep it to yourself for once? I’m seriously unwell,” Mo Fan said impatiently.

“So what if I’m scolding you? I’m telling you, anyone who isn’t stupid can easily tell what you are after! There’s another thing I want to ask you about. Why are you making such a huge fuss about the duel?” Zu Huanyao regained his initial expression.

Mo Fan was relieved. It seemed like Zu Xiangtian had always acted impatiently in front of Zu Huanyao.

“I’ve waited long enough. I’m going to trample him to death. Besides, we can’t just forget what he did on the national team!” Mo Fan spat back.

“You’re still the same, you can never keep your cool. It’s in your best interest not to mess with that Mo Fan. He has done a lot for the country. Do you think it’s the same as your petty acts of virtue, which you purposely hired people to make a big fuss about?” Zu Huanyao sniffed.

“He’s just lucky. The outcomes of those incidents would be the same even if he wasn’t involved!” Mo Fan exclaimed, parroting the words of the people who were doubtful of his capabilities.

“Why have I never seen you being lucky, then? I’m telling you, don’t you earn our Zu Clan to shame!” Zu Huanyao rebuked him.

Mo Fan could not agree more in his heart. It turned out that the old man still had some sense in him!

“I have some other business to attend to. I can’t afford to waste my time talking to you here,” Mo Fan huffed.

“Don’t you have a sore throat?” Zu Huanyao snapped at him.

“Ugh…” Mo Fan had a feeling he should leave as soon as possible!

“(Sigh), I know you still hold a grudge against me. It’s true that you might have had a chance to meet the great Angel Michael if you had participated in the mission on Tianshan Mountain, but do you have any idea who that Qin Yu’er is?” Zu Huanyao told him.

“Is she related to us?” Mo Fan raised his brows.

“Do you remember your second eldest brother, Zu Xingyi?” Zu Huanyao asked grimly.

“Mm,” Mo Fan nodded, trying not to speak too much.

“I demoted Xingyi and sent him to Bo City just so he could stay out of sight. Once the Heresy Judgment Court cleared his name, I would have brought him back to the capital. Who knew so many things would happen…” Zu Huanyao recalled the past, and Mo Fan listened closely without interrupting the older man.

Zu Huanyao had kept these words in his heart for a long time. He felt relieved after spitting them out.

Mo Fan initially thought Zu Huanyao was talking about someone who was more impressive and reliable than Zu Xiangtian, whom the young man might be able to learn from. To Mo Fan’s surprise, the Zu Xingyi he had mentioned was Chief Military Instructor Zhan Kong!

It appeared that Zhan Kong was from the Zu Clan, yet he had never mentioned it!

This old man turned out to be Zhan Kong’s grandfather! The reason Zhan Kong became Bo City’s commander was because Zu Huanyao wanted to keep him out of the Heresy Judgment Court’s sight. Whatever he had done for Qin Yu’er’s sake had obviously provoked the Heresy Judgment Court!

Mo Fan stared at the grey-bearded old man in disbelief. In other words, Zu Huanyao knew everything that had happened!

“I don’t understand. The Heresy Judgment Court is clearly setting a trap for him. Why didn’t you stop them?” Mo Fan had to ask.

If Zu Huanyao was Zhan Kong’s grandfather, they might have a chance to bust Qin Yu’er out of custody if they joined hands. Zhan Kong would not have to come to the Sacred City and walk right into this trap!

“You think he’s still alive?” Zu Huanyao scoffed.

“Ugh… it’s still a possibility. After all, the undead at the Ancient Capital have never attacked any city since he took over,” Mo Fan said.

“I don’t care, I won’t let him suffer again!” Zu Huanyao declared.

Suffer?

Mo Fan had never thought of it that way. Either way, Mo Fan believed Zhan Kong was still alive. The ancient evil Qin Emperor did not steal his soul!

“In the past, I was hoping he would avoid the punishment from the Sacred City, but now, I’m hoping the Sacred City could bring him redemption,” Zu Huanyao went on.

“What if his soul is still around? You are going to get him killed. If he comes to the Sacred City, doesn’t it mean he still retains his memories and feelings?” Mo Fan persisted.

The look in Zu Huanyao’s eyes shifted, as if he had sensed Mo Fan’s unusual response.

Mo Fan realized Zu Xiangtian would never say something like that. He quickly explained himself, “I just don’t want you to be sad.”

“I’ve already asked the great Angel Michael. Not only is his existence a great threat, he’s being tortured constantly by the soul possessing him. I only have a few years left, yet the Qin Emperor’s soul might torture Xingyi for a thousand years. The last thing I can do for him while I’m still alive is set him free!” Zu Huanyao declared with determination.

“Fine, but what about Qin Yu’er? After all… I think she’s innocent,” Mo Fan said cautiously.

“Don’t worry, we only brought her to the Sacred City to lure the Qin Emperor out. We will make the necessary arrangements once it’s over. She won’t be able to live an ordinary life, but she will live,” Zu Huanyao said dismissively.

“I still think…” Mo Fan wanted to say something.

“I have told you too much today. Xiangtian, after Xingyi is set free, you are our Zu Clan’s only hope. I might be your great-uncle, but I’ve always treated you as my own grandchild. I hope you will be more mature and take on important roles.” Zu Xiangtian patted Mo Fan on the shoulder.

Mo Fan watched Zu Huanyao as he turned around and left.

Mo Fan felt bitter and helpless watching the old man leave.

Zu Huanyao was obviously the person responsible for the incident in their homeland. To his surprise, he was also Zhan Kong’s grandfather! From his perspective, there was nothing wrong with setting his grandson’s soul free from the shell of the Emperor of the Undead!